As things become more and more uncertain in the realm of theatrical film distribution, there is one thing that has become decidedly clear: the lack of original voices at the multiplex have brought pockets of individual film communities together around the world. As a result, there are more film festivals than ever before, all offering the chance to see something new, exclusive, and different than what you might find streaming or on an IMAX screen. While this has been a boon for film fans, especially those of us who seek out exciting and unusual genre fare, this has also led to these very festivals going the extra mile to find titles that can justify the time and energy of these communities.

Now, before we go any further, I’ll be completely transparent and say that I am involved with the Philadelphia Unnamed Film Festival, with whom I have dedicated my efforts on a volunteer basis on principle alone. As a East Coast horror fan, a lot of the awesome film festivals out there don’t necessarily come my way, with the exception of the likes of the New York City Horror Film Festival, Scary Movies, and a select few others. Therefore, when my good friend Madeleine Koestner told me her vision to bring against-the-grain and truly independent films to Philly fright fans, I couldn’t help but take her up on the offer to aid PUFF in becoming something special.

Last year, in the upper floor of a restaurant and bar, PUFF launched with a stellar line-up, including We Go On, Karate Kill, Night of Something Strange, and Dead Body, as well as a wealth of incredible and weird short films that legitimately brought the Philadelphia horror community together. This year, PUFF is bigger and bolder than ever, now with an expanded four-day schedule (Thursday, 09/28 to Sunday, 10/01) and a brand spanking new venue, the Proscenium Theater at the Drake in Center City Philadelphia. And in terms of going the extra mile, I’m excited to say that PUFF 2017 has gone above and beyond.

Of course, PUFF has a nice collection of festival favorites making their way to this year’s event, included the lauded SXSW horror-comedy Tragedy Girls, starring Brianna Hildebrand (Deadpool), Alexandra Shipp (X-Men: Apocalypse), Josh Hutcherson (The Hunger Games), and Craig Robinson (This is the End), as well as the All Hallows Eve spin-off TERRIFIER  and the contemplative sci-fi film Imitation Girl (starring rising horror star Lauren Ashley Carter). But the festival also has some exciting premieres as well: PUFF will hold the U.S. Premiere of Preston DeFrancis’ psychological thriller Ruin Me, in addition to the World Premiere of 100 Acres of Hell, an action-packed slasher film starring former WWE Superstar Gene Snitsky. Furthermore, PUFF will be bringing Child Eater filmmaker Erlingur Thoroddsen’s sophomore feature RIFT to Philly, as well as Peter Vack’s gross-out genre comedy ASSHOLES and the petrifying procedural CHARISMATA .

However, PUFF’s ace-in-the-sleeve comes with a pair of acquisitions that genre fans simply should not miss, as they may not have another opportunity to catch these fright flicks on the big screen! First up, PUFF will be offering enthusiasts of demented documentaries the chance to catch the internationally renowned haunted attraction documentary SPOOKERS, presented by a screening partner that will be announced at a later date. Making its U.S. premiere at PUFF, SPOOKERS follows the New Zealand-based family owned-and-operated haunt of the same name, which is recognized as one of the world’s largest and most beloved horror attractions in the world.Uplifting, emotional, and occasionally surreal, SPOOKERS is a unique cinematic experience that’s guaranteed to impress doc fans and horror buffs alike.

Lastly, PUFF is extremely excited to announce that their closing night film will not only be a U.S. premiere, but the World Theatrical premiere of a film that’s been lost to audiences for nearly 15 years: Greg Travis’ NIGHT CREEP! Released directly-to-DVD in South America and Africa in 2003, this tongue-in-cheek horror flick starring the late, great Don Calfa (Return of the Living Dead) has been out-of-print to international audiences for over a decade, and unavailable to stateside horror fans altogether! This bizarre and jaw-dropping mix of REPULSION and SHOWGIRLS is unlike anything you’ve ever seen, so don’t miss out on the chance to experience NIGHT CREEP for the very first time.

Badges for PUFF 2017 as well as individual tickets for all programmed films can be purchased via Film Freeway HERE. For more information, including our full schedule and feature film trailers, please visit the official Philadelphia Unnamed Film Festival website HERE. You can also get exclusive updates and previews for PUFF 2017 via the festival’s Facebook and Twitter.